Problems associated with very tall showtanks?

R

Rare Cichlids

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Dec 2, 2000
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I'm wanting to build an 800g show tank this winter. In order to make viewing the tank an even more pleasurable experiance, I want to make the tank extra tall. Unless I can think of some real serious problems I would like to go with a 5' tall tank. The length might be around 8' and the width around 32".

I know there will be problems associated with such a tall aquarium. But how bad will it really be? I know that tanks of this height are in private collections, but don't know of anyone that actually has one.

Can anybody offer advice, or warnings on possible problems.

Thanks
 
The only problems I can think of is cleaning it and moving it. But I'm sure you have thought of these things (I HOPE!) so it shouldn't be a problem. And also, you would have to make sure there is enough surface agitation to oxidize the whole tank. That's about it, I'm sure you won't run into much trouble.
 
Ease of cleaning would be my main concern along with possible stratification of water (anerobic vs. aerobic -- think Lake Victoria, post-Nile Perch)...I'd have some airstones or something of that nature running behind a stone backdrop and bubbling over it...
 
I'll be sure to have some powerheads and airstones running. How well will a 5' syphon tube work :confused: I do weekly 50% water changes on all my tanks, and this one will be no different.
 
To be honest, I wouldn't be concerned about much of anything... except for:

a) having plenty of surface disruption and good water movement, possibly airation as well dependant upon stocking density.

b) how you'd go about cleaning/reaching the substrate and decor.


As far as the 5' siphon idea... just make sure that it is rigid from above the water surface to the substrate. If it's flexible, you're not going to be vaccuming where you want to be, easily anyways.

Cheers and Best Wishes!

Regards,
Raithan O. Ellis
 
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I have read a lot of articles on DIY tanks...cause im cheap :D

anyway, what you have to know is that the deeper the water is the higher the water pressure becomes. This means that a tall tank needs much much thicker glass than a short, long tank.

here is an excellent article on the subject - dubious DIY tank article

if you do go ahead and build it please post pictures and a description of how you did it! :)
 
I would be concerned about lighting if you want live plants. It seems that the lights would have to be super strong. But I've never even SEEN a tank that big, except for in aquariums. I'm sure it would be quite stunning! Good luck!
 
Here's someone with a really tall tank getting ready to clean the substrate! :D

aa_houdini_magic_2_e.jpg
 
Originally posted by Rare Cichlids
How well will a 5' syphon tube work :confused: I do weekly 50% water changes on all my tanks, and this one will be no different.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't do a 5 foot syphon. I would just use a normal gravel vac, but attach the vac portion to a clean broom stick or something similar.
 
Thanks for all the replies. Especially to Joe for clearing up my confusion as to how to clean the tank :D

This aquarium is destined to be a show tank that will house a colony of Midas cichlids along with several other large cichlids. So plants are already out of the question.

Thats a good idea, Matt. I'll work on the design for that tonight.

Demon, thanks for the article. I was planning on building a plywood tank with an acrylic front panel. But depending on the cost, I may decide to make an all acrylic aquarium. But I'll definantly be practicing with a smaller tank first.

How thick of acrylic is required for an 8' long, 3' wide aquarium?
 
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